Follow the crazy adventures of an Alabama cyclist taking on the Race Across America in 2015.

Tour of Elk Grove Wrap-up

Not the greatest of performances this weekend, but I was definitely racing out of my league in an elite field of professional cyclists. Also, I think the 6500 miles of driving has caught up to me. Today’s race started out OK as I was near the front and everything was smooth. But then a break went off the front without Ouch/Maxxis. Ouch began to drill it in what the announcer called the “Ouch Pain Train”. I had slid way too far back in the 100+ rider field during some of the “reshuffles” at the 180 degree turn. Eventually, every corner felt like the finishing sprint of a race just to stay on the wheel in front of me. I knew that I was about to crack and unfortunately I was about 35 riders from the back of the pack. Instead of gapping off 35 riders I decided to pull over leading into the 180 — the one place on the course where the field was bunching up and call it a day. Next year I’ll be back and racing the amateur category 1/2 version of the race!